GEORGE BENSON

GEORGE BENSON
THE GEORGE BENSON COOKBOOK (1966)
REMASTER
320 KBPS

The second of Benson's John Hammond-produced albums is far and away the superior of the pair, mixing down-to-basics, straight-ahead jazz with soul-drenched grooving. Suddenly Benson's backup group - same as that of Uptown, with Benny Green added on trombone now and then - has found its bearings and apropos to the title, they can cook, even sizzle. The effect upon Benson's own playing is striking; with something to react against, his sheer ability to swing advances into the realm of awesome. The rapid-fire work on "The Cooker" and "Ready And Able" will make you gasp. Only one vocal here, an exuberant "All Of Me."

1. Cooker
2. Benny's Back
3. Bossa Rocka
4. All of Me
5. Farm Boy
6. Benson's Rider
7. Bayou
8. Borgia Stick
9. Return of the Prodigal Son
10. Jumpin' With Symphony Sid